29 Sep Big, bold California red blend – Bogle Phantom
It’s extremely difficult, if not outright impossible,
to precisely predict and/or accurately gauge
when a wine will reach peak maturity…or if it already has.
But for the vast majority of wines,
we don’t have to be concerned.
The experts say that 90% of wine is meant to be consumed
within a year of production.
One more fact: most wines aren’t released, i.e. available for purchase,
until at least one year after they are bottled.
The conclusion: if you buy a wine at your store
or you order it online, that bottle is more than likely
ready…right now…to be uncorked (or unscrewed) and enjoyed.
It’s Wine Thursday!, our weekly look
at a good wine that sells at an affordable price
and is easy to find at your store or online.
This week, we’re checking out a big red blend
that is drinking well now but shows signs
that it might be even better sometime down the road.
Where it’s from
Phantom is a sub-brand of the Bogle Family Vineyards.
While Bogle is based in Clarksburg, a few miles south of Sacramento,
Bogle sources grapes from vineyards throughout California,
from Medocino in the north to Livermore Valley in the south
and from several other locales in between.
What it is
The exact breakdown of Bogle’s Phantom red varies slightly
from vintage to vintage. The currently-on-the-shelf 2018 is essentially
half Petite Sirah and half Zinfandel.
Not surprisingly, when those two varietals are combined,
the result is a bold, full-bodied blend.
This wine explodes with a variety of flavors.
There’s dark fruit, tobacco and spice…lots of spice.
Nutmeg, allspice and black pepper are all in the mix.
Right now, this big red would be a fine compliment
to burgers and BBQ.
But it also shows long-term aging potential.
Another year or two in a cool, dark rack would help
smooth out the Phantom’s slight edges.
Where to find it
The 2018 Phantom is at Total Wine for $13.97.
The price is $17.99 at Target, QFC and Fred Meyer.
Walmart has it for $18.98.
Safeway and BevMo have it for $18.99.
It sells for $19.99 at Ralphs and Albertsons.
You can order it from Buy Wines Online for $14.93
Phantom is at ABC Fine Wine for $16.99
Same price when ordered from B-21…$16.99
It’s also $16.99 at Lincoln Fine Wines